‘Was Considered For Mayor Post Before Civic Polls’: BJP’s Thiruvananthapuram Councillor

Last Updated:January 05, 2026, 11:16 PM IST

R Sreelekha, BJP councilor and former DGP, supports VV Rajesh as Thiruvananthapuram Mayor, focusing on Sasthamangalam ward’s development.

BJP state vice president and Thiruvananthapuram councillor R. Sreelekha on Monday claimed that the BJP assured her consideration for the mayoral post prior to the civic elections. The statement came after the party picked V. V. Rajesh as the mayor upon winning the elections.

Speaking to the media, Sreelekha, who previously served as a DGP, said that she was not interested in contesting the local body elections. As the vice-president of Kerala BJP, she had been tasked with overseeing the campaign for 10 party candidates in Thiruvananthapuram.

“When the party asked me to contest, I rejected it thrice. They insisted, saying I would not be projected merely as a councillor but as the face of the party and considered for mayor,” she said.

She also added that there was no surprise in these developments, as they were widely known. She did not feel cheated as no such situation had arisen.

“I don’t know whether what the party told me before the election was told to someone else. I have honesty and integrity, which may not suit politicians, and I speak only the truth,” she said.

However, Sreelekha said she was happy that the BJP had taken control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and believed the party alone could govern the city properly.

“I want the BJP to govern the state. For that, the best candidates should be selected, and I will be in the forefront to work for it,” she said.

When asked about the possibility of contesting the Assembly election from the Vattiyoorkavu constituency, Sreelekha denied any interest in future electoral contests, expressing her satisfaction with grassroots work and her focus on developing the Sasthamangalam ward.

“When the opinion of all councillors was sought, I also chose to stand with the decision taken by the central and state leadership.” She said the party decided to select a person with more experience as a Mayor, since she had only 1.5 years of political experience.

On speculation about contesting the Assembly election from the Vattiyoorkavu constituency, Sreelekha said she was unaware of any such move and was not interested.

“I am not interested in contesting any election anymore. I am happy working at the grassroots level. My focus is on the development of Sasthamangalam ward over the next five years,” she said.

Sreelekha said she fully supports V.V. Rajesh, who was selected as the Thiruvananthapuram Mayor, and added that Deputy Mayor Ashanath is like a sister to her.

“Even before the election, I strongly wanted Rajesh to become mayor. Our relationship remains the same even now,” she said.

Asked whether her name was considered for the deputy mayor’s post, Sreelekha said it was not and that she was happy being the councillor of Sasthamangalam ward.

Read More